Every home in Bible times had a lamp which was left shining at night.  These lamps were small oil-filled bowls with a wick that burned like a candle.  The lamp was set on a high stand or a windowsill to show that family living in the house were at home.  This reminds us that Jesus said in Matthew 5:15 that we must always let our lamps shine brightly:

"People do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.

What did Jesus mean?  He said that we are like my lantern (or torch) that will shine right into the corners of this room ( Display your lantern and shine it around the room ).   If it were dark, then the lamp would shine much brighter.   Just like we switch on bright lights at night so that we can see clearly.  In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said:

"Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in Heaven."

Jesus said the good deeds that we do are like a this shining lantern.  They show everyone that Jesus lives in our hearts.  Jesus wants our light to shine out into this dark and wicked world.  He said we cannot be hidden.  When people see our good deeds they will realise we serve our Heavenly Father.

If we don't do good deeds we are like my lantern, that I am going to hide under this bowl.  ( Place the lantern under the opaque bowl ).  Now it's useless since it's light has been cut off.

The Bible tells us that Christians are known by their love.   Jesus also said that you can tell true Christians by their fruits (Matthew 7:16).  This means that our actions speak louder than our words.  Jesus wants us to be kind to everyone you meet and be careful not to say anything nasty.  What other good deeds could we do to please Jesus? ( Let the children respond with their ideas ).

It's time for us to check our lives.  Is the light of Jesus shining out of you?  Make sure that it does and that Jesus is at home in your life!

God bless.